Look How Far I've Come

Even after all these years, I still seem to focus on the gap between where I want to be and where I am.

When I instead focus on the gain of where I've come from, and celebrate how far I've come, the energy and emotions are entirely different.

I practice noticing my emotions and body sensations. When I notice pain, I practice allowing that sensation to be with me. When I notice I am feeling “less than,” I allow for the feeling of “gratitude” to be with me. When I notice a hard knot of frustration, I send a thick rose garland of love to wrap around that emotion.

I have noticed, when I focus on my 'fear,' I limit the opportunities and miss out on many fun adventures. I practice being aware of my critical voice, which seeks to keep me 'safe', but only accomplishes stagnation. When I focus on my 'gifts,' and not my 'critic' I can be perfectly imperfect.

I have noticed that when I take a breath and allow space for my emotions, without pushing on  the world go the way I think it should. That bit of breath unwraps the tendrils of anger and sadness, and allows in possibilities, so that more of what I want can come to me.

In these small ways I can encourage myself to be more proactive and less reactive to my environment, which in a vicious circle is only reacting to me.

My gifts I've discovered are communicating with Nature; listening with the intent to listen; aligning myself with my Higher Self and having compassion for others without trying to control them, or the outcome.

As a Life Coach and an Energy Healer, I need to talk to many people to offer my services. If I limit my message by fearing 'what might be', then no one can know about my services, and no one can be helped. A limiting belief that keeps me in the same level of dismay and not enough patterns.

When I step into my 'courage', holding the hand of that higher power, it's not just my message. The message comes from my Higher Self, a message of hope that can be broadcast wide and far. Then, the way is open for the possibility of the right people noticing and wanting to learn more.

I practice changing the message, so that my critical voice encourages me while pointing out what pitfalls can be avoided. How could the birds fly thousands of miles, without encouraging each other to leave the lands of winter and head to their far-off southern homes?

It is okay to be me, the know-it-all, the hermit, the quiet one, the exuberant one, the one not really fitting in. The ego is a part of my identity that I'm still exploring well into my elder years.

I like that I don't have to be right, that I can listen to other viewpoints and decide if what I think I believe and know, and what I've learned can help myself or others.

In my seeming failure, is the renewing of my strength. ~Ann Davies

Cosmetic Modifications for Dogs

Contributed by Angie Lewis

Alaska Animal Advocates

Although it is not uncommon, altering a dog’s body surgically is a very controversial topic. The surgeries involved in these modifications are ear cropping and tail docking.  Organizations such as the American Kennel Club require certain qualifications for a purebred dog’s appearance, and these are related to the function that the dog provided originally. 

For many of these dogs, this means ear cropping and docking tails.  The American Kennel Club refuses to change their expectations for these dogs’ appearance, despite public opinion to stop these requirements.

A consequence of the change in the appearance of these dogs is that they are viewed as more aggressive. Dobermans, Great Danes, Schnauzers, Brussel Griffons, and Boxers are some of the dogs that are viewed as dangerous as a result of these surgeries.  Even the dogs’ owners are seen as more tough.

These procedures are cruel and inhumane.  A human being has a choice about whether or not they decide to have cosmetic surgery, but a dog cannot do so. Typically, these dogs are just 8 to 12 weeks old when they have these surgeries imposed upon them.  The pain and trauma is monumental and the psychological impact is equally dangerous.  Dogs use their ears and tails to communicate and are damaged when they can  no longer do so.

Many countries around the world have made tail docking and ear cropping illegal.  However, the United States is not so humane and restrictions are rare.

Adopt Diesel

Contributed by Kelleigh Orthmann

Clear Creek Cat Rescue

Hello! I am a big-cheeked boy with a most gentle, confident, and amiable demeanor. I was a stray outside, but I am so sweet and was loved by a family at one time. I had been seen around for a while and then, one day, I fell through the ceiling...or something like that.

I don't remember the whole story about falling from the ceiling, but here I am, with nothing more than a gash on my leg to show for my fall that landed me in rescue. I love people, follow my foster dad around wherever he goes, and always want pets. I want to hang out with my human and seem very calm around the laid-back girl cat in my foster home.

I am very friendly and very loyal. If my human is not close by, I will go looking for him. I will be a most devoted and loving boy.

I am about a couple of years old, and I am ready for a home that will make me a part of the family, care for me, and give me lots of pets forever! To meet me, please call 907-980-8898.

Pastel Society of Alaska Plein Air Event

Contributed by Diane Paoletti

Pastel Society Alaska invites you to our first plein air event!

Anyone interested in learning more about the Pastel Society Alaska or just painting with new friends is welcome to join us. You do not have to be a member to attend. This non instructional event is open to all artists painting in any medium, or anyone who would just like to come and unite with other artists or make new friends.

This plain air event is taking place Saturday, September 10, 2022 , from 11:00 am – 4:00pm.

It will be held at the old Matanuska Bridge, Palmer.

If planning to attend, please make sure to bring your own art supplies, along with anything else you think you may need … lunch, water & if you’d like, a snack to share. You may also need a sun hat or easel umbrella, bug repellant, lawn chair, etc.

Directions to the old Matanuska Bridge are as follows:

Go to Palmer & on the Glenn Highway, turn onto Arctic Ave (Three Bears gas station & Fred Meyers gas station on each corner). Follow Arctic approximately 2 miles to the old Matanuska Bridge on your left, where parking is available.

Our Facebook page - Pastel Society Alaska & our Instagram page - @pastelsocietyalaska will be updated on September 10, in case of inclement weather, so please make sure to check there for any changes of location.

Questions? Email us @ pastelsak@gmail.com

We hope you can join us and look forward to meeting you!

Attention Kids & Parents: Mat-Su Kid’s Chorus

Contributed by Barry Dorman

Singing is fun, isn't it? But singing with others your own age makes it even more fun! If your child is in the first through eighth grade, then they are invited to join the Mat-Su Kid's Chorus which resumes its weekly rehearsals on September 8 under the direction of Sharon Theroux.

Sharon is passionate about music and has shared that love with children and young adults for over 20 years in the Anchorage area in both her own private studio and as a teacher in the Anchorage School District. She has earned two B.A. Degrees in Vocal Music Education and Speech Theater and has done further studies at the University of North Texas, internationally known for their jazz program. While in North Carolina, she studied the Suzuki teaching method and most recently traveled to Finland to be mentored by the founder of the Suzuki Voice Method. Ms. Theroux is strongly committed to building mentorships for young musicians and connecting them with performing opportunities in their communities. She herself continues to grow and learn through various musical collaborations as well as through her work with the National Association of Teachers of Singing.

While learning the basics of voice and singing, the children under Sharon's direction will be preparing to perform alongside the Mat-Su Community Chorus at their Christmas and Spring concerts. The kids meet for practice on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 at Mat-Su Evangelical Covenant Church, 5201 East Mayflower Lane, Wasilla. (Please note that the church does not sponsor nor has it any affiliation with the Kid's Chorus other than providing a rehearsal venue.)

There are two terms per year which run from September to Christmas and January to May and the cost is $80 per term. If your child is interested in joining or you just want further information, please contact matsukidschorus@yahoo.com.

Senior Moments? No, They Are NOT Just a Normal Part of Aging

Contributed by Stephanie Figon, MS, RDN, LD

You’re dining out with a friend when the check comes and you suddenly realize that you can’t calculate the tip. You’re driving in a familiar part of town to a place you’ve been a dozen times. Then, you somehow don’t know how to get there. Your spouse keeps insisting that they told you about something but you would swear they never mentioned it.

These are the experiences of too many people as they move into the older decades of life. We ignore the little tell-tale signs for as long as possible. Everyone knows there’s nothing anyone can do to stop dementia. A person reasons visiting the doctor will only get their keys taken away and keep them from ever being able to buy long term care insurance.

And up until recently, that was about right. All the medical profession could do is confirm your fears and tell you to get your affairs in order. A prescription might only give a 3-month delay in the inevitable process of decline that lasts about 7 years.

But brain science is changing—and fast. When a client asked me to research nutrition for her husband who was showing clear signs of Alzheimers, I went to work. That was 8 months ago. I was shocked to find studies on everything from lithium to coffee fruit.

One researcher’s work stands out. Dr. Dale Bredesen has been researching the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s for decades. In 2014, Bredesen published his first case series in which 8 out of 10 individuals improved their scores on cognitive tests. One of them even had MRI documented growth in the size of their hippocampus—that all-important memory center in the brain. This was a finding that most doctors thought was impossible at the time.

In a case series of 100 people published by Dr. Bredesen’s group in 2018 showed that 72 of them improved their scores on cognitive tests. Another study of 25 patients was published in the Journal of Alzheimers in July this year. Results showed that 84% were able to improve scores on cognitive tests.

More than 3 dozen major factors have been identified that affect brain function. These either contribute to brain loss or contribute to the development of new connections in the brain.  The problem of dementia has been likened to having a barn with 36 holes in the roof. The goal is to patch every single one.

By far, the most common contributor to brain problems is insulin resistance and diabetes. Some have even proposed calling Alzheimers “Type 3 diabetes”.

Second, there is inflammation. This is sometimes related to dental problems or intestinal permeability called “leaky gut”. When bacteria or undigested food molecules get into the blood, they activate the immune system. This causes inflammation that affects brain function.

A host of other factors may play a role in cognitive decline. These include traumatic brain injury, sleep apnea, Mold exposure, heavy metals, and vitamin deficiencies.

And then, there are the thousands of untested chemicals from herbicides and pesticides in food to the BPA in water bottles. These build up in our bodies and affect our brain function. Dr. Bredesen likens our current toxin situation to, “swimming in an Alzheimer’s soup”.

We also know the factors that help the brain grow. Optimized hormones--thyroid, estrogen and/or testosterone. Sleep and the mental stimulation of new learning are critical for brain growth.

Exercise increases oxygen and nutrients to the brain. It also allows us to make more BDNF, which is best described as “Miracle Grow for the brain”.

Timing matters. If memory and cognitive issues are fully addressed in their early stages, there is a great chance that declines can be reversed.

It requires dedicated lifestyle measures-diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management. It requires nutritional supplements--lots of them. And you may need a few prescriptions.

But there is nothing like real-life confirmation to prove that this approach works. I got that when my client texted me to say that her husband's MRI proven early Alzheimer's symptoms stopped after just a couple of months. She's seen no symptoms since April.

Help spread the news. No one is saying there’s a cure for Alzheimer’s. But the new data show that Alzheimer's should no longer be considered a hopeless disease. Dementia can be prevented or put into remission for many. Bredesen predicts that future generations will look back on Alzheimer’s disease the way we look back on polio and other diseases of the past. For those of us experiencing “senior moments”, these changes can’t come too soon.

For more information, visit Nutrition907.com.

Energy Touch: New Silent Ministry

Contributed by Daniel N. Russell

An exciting, new, nonverbal, silent, energy touch ministry has been created to help people heal body & spirit. All living beings have an ability to achieve a perfect state of balance in body, mind, and spirit. Energy touch therapy enhances this, so people may better find balance. Energy touch channels healing energy through the hands from the Source of universal energy by laying-on-hands to restore equilibrium (homeostasis) to the recipient. Such healing energy can relieve pain, release blockages, enhance well-being, and yield homeostasis. So, this may be given for any illness, stress, or injury, as complementary therapy.

Using conscious intent, I am able to move, center and balance a patient's energy. Placing a cold stone upon an area of the body low in energy, actually attracts energy away from areas of high heat to that area of low heat energy. From basic physics we know that heat energy always moves from hotter areas to cooler areas, as long as a thermally conductive pathway exists. Recipients often report having more power, after energy treatments. Cold stone therapy balances and centers a flow of energy throughout the body more quickly and easily than Shiatsu Acupressure and Acupuncture techniques. I also apply a hot super-saturated salt solution to the skin to draw out toxins, relieve pain, and smooth the skin.

Although cold stones, have been used in the past to relieve congestion, headache, and inflammation, they have never been used to my knowledge to pull energy (qi) from places of excess energy to areas of low energy, and to center the energy at the tanden (hara).

Practical application:  We are all endowed with sensitive heat sensors in the palms of our hands. So, by laying hands over a patient's body, one can feel where there is too much heat energy or not enough energy. So, I determine where to place a cold stone to move and balance energy. It is often desired to pull energy away from places of the body having excess energy and toward the sixth tsubo on the Conception Vessel, CV-6, also known as hara or tanden, located 2 finger-widths below the belly button, where the life-force energy (qi) should be centered. In practice, when I place a cold stone on the tanden (CV-6 tsubo), excess heat dissipates from areas of excess energy, and heat energy builds up, quickly, under and around this stone. I use my mind in conscious intent and I encourage the patient to use their mind, also, to move the energy. I, also, ask God for Holy Spirit to help the patient to heal. So, the stone serves as a tool to help concentrate the mind on healing and on centering the qi energy. I use a single, large, smooth, basalt stone, because these stones absorb a lot of heat. In Alaska room temperature, about 60 F, is fine for the initial temperature of a cold stone. In room temperatures above 72 F, one should run cold water over the stone for one minute, before placing it upon a patient. The temperature of a cold stone should not be lower than 40 F.

Do not cool stones by placing them in a freezer! I mentioned, above, I also apply a super-saturated salt solution to the skin. This solution is made by adding 33% sea salt and 66% Epsom salt to water, until no more will go into solution, and then heating it. As water evaporates from this solution, tiny salt crystals form in the pores, which draw out toxins from the skin, smooth the skin, and which cancel pain by the principle of counter-irritation. Lotions and oils may be applied, thereafter, to reduce excess irritation and sooth the skin. I do not charge any compensation for this therapy. [Cautionary Note: salt should not be used on broken or diseased skin.]

Conclusion: Energy can be moved easily and quickly from any area of the body having excess heat energy to any areas having low in energy by conscious intent. Proper placement of a cold stone and of the hands help concentrate the mind and speed up energy flow. This is fast and simple to do! One may think that it would be uncomfortable to have a cold stone placed on their belly, but it pulls and gathers heat quickly from areas of excess energy. One can actually feel heat building up under and around the stone. It is also surprising to most people, how smoothly hot super-saturated salt solution glides over the skin. You do not need to be professionally licensed or gifted to help people this way. Try it!

Biography: Daniel N. Russell, MS is former Term-professor, Physics Dept., University of Alaska, Nationally certified in 1997 in massage & bodywork, Ordained energy touch therapist, and may be contacted at 907-444-5647 or email: dnrussellms@yahoo.com.

The Bright Lights Book Project: Considering Abundance

Contributed by Alys Culhane

When I first heard the word abundance, the image that came to mind was that of cornucopia, a horn overflowing with fruit, corn, and other edible produce. This was when I was in the third grade, and Mrs. Scoville was showing us images related to Thanksgiving.

The term abundance again surfaced shortly after the inception of the Bright Lights Book Project in, January 2019. This is when I and BLBP co-founder Bill Schmidtkunz began unloading the contents of the first of several Gaylords, chest high cardboard boxes, filled with books. This was at Valley Center for Recycling Solutions.

“Abundance,” said Bill, opening a new copy of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. “Yeah, “abundance,” I said, handing him a well-worn copy of Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations.

We presumed that we’d find audiences for the books in the Gaylords, and for the umpteen boxes of books stacked high on pallets. I estimated that it would take five months to go through these boxes. I’d then resume attempting to make my mark as a writer. I knew that I had achieved literary notoriety when Pete pulled Raudi’s Story, from one box, and Bea Adler pulled Road Songs: Essays on Exploring New Zealand, from another box.

Bill and I, as well, seven other volunteers, are still working at getting VCRS and other books into the hands of appreciative readers. The local literary cornucopia is overflowing and spilling onto the floor.

The spillage came about last March, shortly after the Alaska Daily News ran an article on the BLBP. The next day I received close to 50 emails in which I was asked if we were accepting donations. The day after that, I received 70 emails. I’m now averaging a dozen emails a week. Most of these inquiries have come from Alaskan residents, with the remaining few coming from the Lower 48. I have yet to turn anyone down, with the exception of those wanting to part with textbooks and encyclopedias. I say in my heartful response to the latter, “sorry, we just don’t have the room.”

We’re continuing to take donations from VCRS, family libraries, thrift stores, bookstores, individuals, and those writers who, having an excess of their own books, hope to reduce their burgeoning inventory.

Why so many books here? Palmer is unique in that it’s a literary crossroads for reading material. Since the Colony Days, those either moving here or passing through have innumerable books with them, this including cookbooks, gardening, and fiction and nonfiction. Many of these books have been inscribed with names and dates. Still, the source of innumerable books remains a mystery. For instance, how is it that a donated private collection yielded a copy of The Kentucky Thoroughbred by Kent Hollingsworth, with the inscription “To Ken Pease—Any man who carries a copy of Anna Karenina in his fatigue blouse on a long march needs another book.”

The BLBP volunteers have managed to keep pace with the influx of books

Our high placement rate is due to the fact that we quickly became adept at determining who the audience for most works might be. Many of the books that first crossed our path ended up (as has the Hollingsworth book) in our home libraries. We then began offering books to the public, most of which can now be found on bookcases that we’ve placed in area businesses. And although there is an abundance of good books, there seems to be a shortage of good bookcases. (See our website: www.brightlightsbookproject.org for a list of bookcase locations.)

And we began shipping them to villages. We’ve also been passing out books at summer events. For instance, the Palmer Museum donated outdoor space, which has enabled us to pass out books to kids on Fridays in the summer. The Goose Creek Correctional Facility recently took 10 bins of books, for distribution to inmates.

We’ve dealt well with abundance, but now we are attempting to deal with overabundance. The BLBP book storage area is now in several places, these being the Church of the Covenant/Meeting House and the U-Haul Storage facility. We have also stashed books in a garage, a goat shed, and a cabin. We need a central location with enough storage space for all incoming books. This will better enable us to access sought-after books and hold onto books in which the audience has not yet materialized. In this way, overabundance will again become abundance.

We all live to make our third-grade teachers proud. I’m sure that Mrs. Scoville would be pleased to know that her former student took the idea of cornucopia one step further, by making an analogy to an overabundance of books.

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Prepared for Disaster

Contributed by Debra McGhan

The Alaska State Troopers respond to dozens of search-and-rescue calls every year. When they do, a call goes out for a mass of resources such as Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, Alaska State Search and Rescue Association, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Rescue Team…or others to assist. It costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to coordinate and execute these rescues and thousands of man hours. Far too often the results end in tragedy, with lives lost because there wasn’t enough time.

People don’t set out on their adventure with the intent of becoming victims who require a search and rescue mission to get home. Often times the unexpected happens and they are suddenly faced with making split-second, life or death decisions. 

Grant Pearson, a retired Denali National Park Ranger, was quoted in ‘Humility in the Alaskan Wilderness’ by Daryl Miller as saying, “There are no heroes in the wilderness, only wise people who are prepared and those that are not so wise and unprepared.”

The Alaska State Troopers would like everyone to remember this rule.

Lawrence Agosti and his friends learned this lesson the hard way.

“I’ve been riding in the Kenai area for years and felt like I knew every inch of this place,” said Agosti. “But it all looks different in a storm.”

He prided himself on being a strong rider and one who is generally well prepared. “This day turned out to be pretty humbling,” he said.

He had forgotten to check his supplies, which proved critical later. During the ride one of his friends got separated from the group. When darkness began to close in and it was time to return to the parking lot, he and his riding partner set out to find their missing friend. By the time they finally raised the friend on the radio, and everyone made it to a spot where they could all see, snow was coming down fast and they realized they needed to act quickly. They decided to make shelter and just wait out the night.

“That’s when I discovered just how unprepared we were,” said Agosti. “We had no way to start a fire, no food and we were soaking wet and exhausted. It was the most horrible night of my life. I really thought we were going to die.”

Fortunately for this group, they were young, strong and stayed focused on surviving. Worried friends and family found them the next morning which doesn’t always happen.

When a group of riders, including two Conoco Phillips employees, set out in February 2011 with friends, two of them never made it home. Although this group of veteran riders had explored this area many times before, they found themselves lacking the proper safety equipment. They were caught unprepared when an avalanche buried two people in their party and the remaining riders could not help their friends because they did not have the tools needed to search and dig them out in time.

Being prepared did save Penny and Robert Albright when their four-wheeler got stuck in the mud while on a hunting trip off the Denali Highway. An unexpected storm blew in dropping the temperature and a foot of fresh snow.

“When we saw this storm engulfing us, we quickly abandoned our efforts to get to the lodge and made a shelter instead,” said Penny. “It wasn’t the most comfortable night but we were prepared with a tarp, cook stove, sleeping bags, food and everything we needed to survive.

“We never expected anyone to come rescue us,” she said. “We just made sure if we went, we went prepared. Instead of fighting the storm, we set up camp, hunkered down and were just fine.”

The next day the storm subsided and they emerged from their cozy, makeshift shelter and continued on their way. As they traveled, they passed an area along the trail where several crude crosses were erected.

“It really hit us hard,” Robert said. “We had a good idea what had probably happened to those people. If we didn’t have everything we needed to hunker down, we would have almost certainly died in that storm.”

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month and a great time to get yourself and your family and friends prepared for a host of potential disasters and emergencies.

Whether you are a veteran or new to backcountry travel, there are some important tips to remember that will increase your chance of survival if the unexpected happens.

Whatever you love to do in the Alaska backcountry, make sure you go prepared. Investing a few hours in training can make all the difference for you and your family, maybe not today, but perhaps one day when you need it the most.

Learn more by attending the 14th annual Mat-Su Emergency Preparedness Expo on Saturday, September 24th from 10 am to 3 pm.

This year the Alaska Safe Riders are co-hosting the event and will be on hand along with more than 50 other exhibitors to provide demonstrations and valuable information presented by Iron Dog champions and professional instructors who understand the value and importance of being prepared.

This free annual event is made possible by Mat-Su Borough Emergency Services, Local Emergency Planning Committee, American Red Cross, City of Wasilla, AARP Alaska and Alaska Safe Riders. Find more information at https://ready.matsugov.us/

PHOTO CREDITS:

Avalanche 1 – Photo by Rich Loftin

Rescue – Photo by J Moskowitz

Poultry Exhibits Paused at 2022 Fair

Contributed by Melissa Keefe

In response to the presence of the highly pathogenic avian influenza in Alaska, there will be no poultry exhibits at the 2022 Alaska State Fair.

“This was a difficult decision for the Fair to make, but after evaluating the risks and benefits, and listening to the expert recommendations, we believe it is best to err on the side of caution in order to keep Alaska livestock healthy and food safe,” said Jerome Hertel, Fair CEO.

The first case of avian flu was confirmed in Alaska on April 29, 2022. While the risk to human health from this virus is very low, it is highly contagious among birds and can affect all types of domestic poultry, causing illness and death.

While there will be no turkeys, chickens, geese and ducks exhibited, the 2022 Fair will still feature the baby chick exhibit, as the disease does not affect chicks in the egg. The popular exhibit will be in its usual location in Craig Taylor Farm Exhibits.

The 4-H Jr. Market Livestock Auction will also take place on Saturday, September 3, with some modifications. While poultry will not be on display during the Fair or auction, 4-H youth will have photos and descriptions of their birds for interested buyers. More information can be found on the 4-H website at alaska4h.org.

For more information, visit alaskastatefair.org or contact Melissa Keefe, marketing and communications manager, mk@alaskastatefair.org.

Mat-Su Food Bank at Alaska State Fair

Contributed by Lauralynn Robison
It’s August!  You know what that means…the Alaska State Fair is coming to town!  The State Fair opens August 19th and runs through September 5th, 2022.  MatSu Food Bank is excited to be participating again this year, collecting food donations for our community. 

Our volunteers and staff will be positioned at the gates, with food collection bins, August 19th & 20th, and then again on August 25th, 26th, & 27th. If you are planning to visit the State Fair, please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation. Also, we accept cash donations. If you would like to offer your volunteer services, please call our office (907)357-3769, ask for Gayle. See you at the Fair!

Community is at the heart and soul of our mission at MatSu Food Bank. We feel so blessed to be a part of this amazing community and we thank all of you for your continued support of the MatSu Food Bank!
Remember - no one should go hungry! Please contact us at (907) 357-3769 if you have any questions about our programs, making donations or would like to schedule a time to volunteer. You can also call United Way’s Helpline at 211, which is a multilingual & confidential service that connects community members to vital local resources. We again thank everyone who helps support our mission and makes it possible for us to serve our local communities. We are honored and immensely grateful! We also invite you to visit and follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MatSuFoodBank.

Happy 100th Birthday Jean Armstrong!

Contributed by Grandson, Jake Graupmann - Talkeetna, Alaska

I would first off like to say thank you, Grandma “Beach”. You are an incredible inspiration in my life, not only because you continue to amaze me at 100 years old, but because of the encouragement you’ve given me and the impact you have had throughout my years growing up. From being a flight attendant on DC-3 aircraft between Florida and Cuba—just after World War II—to living in Naples, Italy and owning travel agencies in Chicago and California, and finally to owning a Talkeetna gift shop on Main Street (at 80 yrs. Old!) and running a bed and breakfast on the Village Airstrip. I can say that you are one of the true reasons for my desire to see the world and experience as much as I can. Hearing stories of your life (like how you had top secret clearance while working under a General during World War II!) makes me realize how much of life there is to live, even if it is not always easy.

You were born during the roaring twenties, but the Great Depression quickly overshadowed your childhood. You’ve lived through numerous wars, the lunar landing, a couple major earthquakes, pandemics, the Cubbies finally winning World Series and other worldly events that I’ve only read about in history books. As a single mother, you raised five children on the south side of Chicago and were still able to travel the world as much as you could. To say that I am in awe of the life you have led, your tenacity and the adventures you’ve had would be an understatement, for you truly are an amazing person whom I deeply respect.

And so, it is with the utmost happiness and sincerity that Katie, Rhett, and I would like to wish you the happiest of birthdays!  Most people would need at least 200 to do all that you have done.

Have a fantastic 100th “backyard shindig” at your legendary Talkeetna Celebration!

With love,

Jake

What Is the Difference Between Epoxy and Polished Concrete Floors?

Contributed by Clayton Allison

The main difference between a polished concrete floor and an epoxy floor is that polished concrete reveals the concrete itself, while epoxy is a coating over the top of the concrete. If you want your concrete floor to look like concrete, choose polishing. If you want a floor with a very customizable look and a highly durable coating, consider using epoxy. Epoxy can also provide a non-slip surface, which affects the look as well as the feel of the floor.

Epoxy flooring systems are made using multiple layers of coatings, while polished concrete is created using specialized machinery to form a burnished and smooth surface. Both offer exciting benefits you won’t see in other flooring materials. Choosing between polished concrete and epoxy flooring depends on the type of space you want to install it in. It’s worth noting that for both of these flooring solutions, it is recommended to use expert installation. If you are tempted to go the DIY route, you may not experience the benefits you expect.

Polished Concrete:

Polished concrete is created by mechanically polishing and/or grinding and using a chemical penetrant to harden, densify, and seal the concrete. The primary disadvantage of polished concrete is its tendency to stain. It also must be sealed periodically for stain resistance, but the sealer can only do so much. Spills on polished concrete should be wiped up immediately to prevent staining. If your concrete is cracked, pitted, or otherwise damaged, you will need to fill it in with an additional material, and the repairs are difficult to hide.

For best results, polishing should occur on a new, freshly poured concrete slab that has cured at least 28 Days.  When polished, concrete becomes even stronger and more resistant to damaging. Many homeowners take advantage of polished concrete’s high-glossy look to add style to their house. Polished concrete flooring is ideal for flooring that will not be subjected to harsh chemicals.

Concrete polishing is generally more expensive than epoxy because of the heavy labor time involved. Polished concrete can be cleaned easily. It doesn’t take much to properly maintain a polished concrete floor. A polished concrete floor enhances light reflectivity. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day. While polished concrete can be a viable option for a number of commercial settings, it does present a significant list of limitations– that’s where epoxy flooring systems come in.

Epoxy Flooring:

Epoxy is created by mixing a combination of two starting compounds, the resin, and the hardener. Once these materials are combined and mixed, they form a durable chemical compound. This results in a strong quality floor and is commonly used in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.

If you are looking to implement design aspects into your floors with some flashy or unique colors, epoxy is an easy choice. Depending on the style you want, epoxy can give your floors a modern or classic touch and complement a space with an industrial look, luxurious, or anything in between. Epoxy coatings are very versatile, so they can be customized to suit your needs.  

Epoxy flooring is used in many flooring cases because it is considered easier to install and is a more cost-effective flooring solution. Epoxy flooring, unlike polished concrete flooring, is available in many different formulations that are meant to protect the integrity of the floor. Benefits of epoxy flooring include abrasion and puncture resistance, impact resistance, static control, and more. It’s strong and durable enough to handle high volumes of foot traffic every day. Epoxy floorings can conceal imperfections with the use of decorative flakes and high-performance non-skid topcoats.

Epoxy floors are a good option for spaces that may encounter water or chemical spills, many pedestrian or machine crossings, or other substances and activities that would quickly degrade polished concrete floors. Epoxy flooring is waterproof, provides a non-slippery surface with anti-slip additives and will not be stained as a result of a chemical spill. Just like polished concrete, epoxy flooring can be cleaned easily without using harsh cleaners.

An epoxy coating can enhance the light reflectivity up to three times greater than polished concrete, depending on color and sheen. This is important if you want to make your space brighter. If toughness, safety, and longevity are chief concerns, or your space receives a lot of wear and tear from foot, vehicle, or machine traffic, epoxy flooring is for you. Epoxy flooring also offers a whole host of unique, customizable finishes that cannot be achieved with concrete alone.

If you have any questions about epoxy flooring or polished concrete, get in touch with the experts at Alaska Resin Supply. We provide the highest quality materials and are located at 201 E. Swanson Ave, Suite 1, in Wasilla. Give us a call at (907) 671-9900 and check out our website at www.AlaskaResin.com.